No one rolls up to the airport and says, “I think it would be really great if my flight gets canceled.”
Travelers have all kinds of reasons they want to be somewhere on time: meetings, weddings, family emergencies, or just a long-awaited vacation. But sometimes, the universe has other plans, and flights get delayed or even canceled, leaving frustrated passengers to watch as their plans implode.
While there’s no magical remedy for a canceled flight, there are some solutions you can apply to get where you’re going when you need to be there. All of these solutions involve flexibility, making quick decisions, and sometimes, creativity.
In this article
1. Act Fast—Rebook Before Everyone Else
Time isn’t on your side when a flight gets canceled.
An entire plane full of people will be simultaneously looking for plan B leaving no time to hesitate. Multitask: open the airline’s app and start exploring rebooking options while standing in any physical line for rebooking, all while trying to call the airline’s customer service.
Sometimes, it’s a race and covering all the bases increases your chances of getting rebooked quickly and on a flight that works.
2. Expand Your Options
Check nearby airports or alternate routes.
While many air travelers don’t like the idea of taking an extreme detour to get somewhere, like going from Dallas to Los Angeles by way of Chicago, a less direct route might be the ticket to getting you where you need to be, on time-ish.
You should also search other airlines. While you might have to pay up front for a second fare and deal with reimbursement later, if getting there is the priority, this may be a good way to do it.
Having all the major airline apps downloaded (don’t forget to create an account and log in) will speed things up if you have to do this.
3. Have an On-The-Ground Backup Plan
Consider renting a car, taking a bus, or hopping on a train to reach your destination.
You can also consider flying into another airport in the region and then renting a car and driving. For example if you need to reach Los Angeles but can’t find a flight, you might also consider flying into Burbank, Long Beach, or Orange County, and driving the rest of the way.
4. Go Carry-On Only
Last-minute flight disruptions or changes are going to be infinitely easier if you don’t have to worry about finding your bag or rechecking it on your new flight.
While carry-on only might not be practical for every trip, traveling light is handy when you have to pivot unexpectedly. Plus, you’re less likely to lose checked luggage en route if you’re adding unexpected layovers as a result of a disrupted itinerary.
5. Prevent the Next Disaster
Although mid-flight panic about whether you’re going to make it to your event or destination on time isn't the ideal moment for “shoulda, coulda, woulda,” when the dust settles, look for ways to make this situation easier if it happens again.
While you can’t predict or prevent delays and cancellations, things like booking the first flight out in the morning or leaving a day early can provide a cushion. And while booking through third-party sites might land you a bargain, it will also place you at the bottom of the food chain with the airline when it comes to customer service.
Book directly whenever possible for the best assistance later on, should you need it.
The Shortcut
Speed matters: The fastest person to rebook often gets the best option.
Expanding your search to alternate airports or airlines can save the trip.
A solid backup plan on the ground and traveling light can be the difference between missing it and making it.
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